Teens and Ecstasy

Ecstasy is used by many teens as a pleasure feeling drug. MDMA, 3,4-methylenedioxymentamphetamine, is the scientific name for a drug that is made in basements, trailers, and home kitchens. MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is synthetic in nature and therefore the substances in ecstasy is not always known, many things can be substituted when making ecstasy. Ecstasy is often used by night club or “rave” attendees. The use of ecstasy produces feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, time distortions, and heightened tactile experiences.

Ecstasy may also suppress the desire to eat, sleep or drink. This helps many users stay active during two to three day parties. Ecstasy is taken as a tablet or capsule and orally ingested, for a quicker effect of the drug, users will sometimes crush it and sniff it or even inject it. The effects of ecstasy can last up to six hours, each ingestion, depending on the dosage taken. Many times Ecstasy is used in combination with other drugs to further intensify the experience. Ecstasy is also known as:

MDMA

E

X

XTC

Adam

Love Drug

Lover’s Speed

Ecstasy pills are often “candy like” with cute logos and popular colors. Popular logos for ecstasy pills include butterflies, four-leaf clovers, and lightning bolts. Logos may also represent an upcoming holiday or event.

Ecstasy Effects and Risk

Ecstasy use may cause dehydration, hyperthermia, increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased body temperature, and permanent brain damage (possibly including Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disease). Ecstasy has what some describe as positive side effects. These include:

Feelings of euphoria

Decreased aggression and insecurity

Heightened feelings of intimacy with others

Sense of inner peace and self acceptance

Mental clarity and insightfulness

Decreased appetite

Intense sensory perceptions, hearing and touch

Increased energy

Side effects may include:

Nausea

Hallucinations

Chills and sweating

Tremors

Muscle cramps

Blurred vision

Ecstasy side effects have been known to remain in the users system for days after the last use.
Ecstasy users will often combine Ecstasy use with other drugs. This combination of drugs often intensifies the effects of all of the drugs, but also makes the combinations more serious and threatening.

Signs of Ecstasy Use

As with any drug use, there are many signs that an adolescent may be using drugs. Some signs to look for when suspecting Ecstasy use:

Staying out extremely late, all night parties

Moderate or extreme mood swings when the drug wears off

Having a baby pacifier, candy necklaces, constantly having lollipops – to reduce clenching of teeth

Insomnia

Fluorescent light sticks – use at parties and raves because of heightened sensory perceptions